This patient came to Dr. Michael Choi with weight-related health concerns, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and other obesity-related comorbidities. Bariatric surgery provided a turning point, helping him not only lose weight but also regain control over his overall health.
Patient Story
Before surgery, the patient struggled with conditions such as elevated cholesterol, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes. Despite attempts at diet and lifestyle changes, these health issues persisted. After careful evaluation, he decided to undergo bariatric surgery with Dr. Choi, confident that this was the best option to reclaim his health.
Bariatric surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach and limiting the amount of food consumed, while also lowering hunger hormones that drive cravings. For patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, it has been shown to improve blood sugar control and even lead to remission in many cases.
Four Weeks After Surgery
Just one month after surgery, the patient was already seeing remarkable results. He had lost 32 pounds and noticed a significant boost in his energy levels and overall well-being.
Patient: “All right, so far feeling great. The process has been good. I’m about four weeks post-op, and I’m 30 lbs or 32 lbs down, depending on what morning it is. So 32 lbs in four weeks is pretty awesome.”
This kind of rapid progress is common in the first month after surgery, as patients adjust to their new portion sizes and focus on protein-rich, nutrient-dense meals.
Three Months After Surgery
By the three-month mark, his transformation was even more impressive. He had lost 55 pounds, and more importantly, his comorbidities had dramatically improved.
Dr. Choi: “Okay, I’m here with a patient of mine. He is here three months post-op. He lost about 55 lbs. So, how do you feel, and most importantly, are you taking your sugar medications or your medications for diabetes?”
Patient: “So I feel great. Like the doctor said, it has been three months. I started with almost 10, the A1C is down to 7.2 and my other doctor lowered all the medicines. So I’m just on 500 mg of Metformin, which is great. Cholesterol is normal, my triglycerides used to be 1,300 and now they’re completely normal. Every comorbidity factor has normalized after the surgery. So yeah, it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made in my life, to come see you.”
